Leader Pedro Antonio Marín, known as "Manuel 'Sureshot' Marulanda,” died in March of 2008 of what was diagnosed as a heart attack. It was a huge psychological blow to the organization, as Mr. Marulanda was the last figure who hailed back to the group’s peasant origins.
He gained mythical status among those who support the rebels, and is believed to have spent his entire life in the countryside waging his battle.
Together with the FARC’s loss of its two other major figures, Raúl Reyes and Iván Ríos, Marulanda's death made 2008 the most devastating year for the FARC in its history.
